TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The New England Revolution have acquired Argentinian striker Gustavo Bou from Club Tijuana in Liga MX, the Revs announced Wednesday. Bou becomes New England's second Designated Player, alongside Carles Gil.
The transfer fee is reportedly in the $6-7 million range, according to Goal's Ives Galarcep. The Boston Globe reported that the deal includes $12 million in transfer fees and guaranteed salary, and could "exceed $16 million" with bonuses and options.
“Gustavo is a versatile, creative forward with a proven history of success who will bring a high level of experience and leadership to the roster,” Revolution sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena said in a statement. “We have followed him for a number of years and have confidence he will be an integral part of our success this year and moving forward. We look forward to welcoming him to New England.”
Bou, 29, has featured for numerous clubs throughout his career, most recently Tijuana. Prior to Xolos, Bou spent years with Racing Club in Argentina. In 102 appearances, he had 44 goals and 19 assists.
In Liga MX's 2019 Torneo Clausura under former FC Dallas coach Oscar Pareja, Bou paced Xolos with 10 goals – tied for fifth most in the league – while his five assists also ranked in the top five league-wide. In his debut season with Tijuana in 2017-18, he registered 10 goals and eight assists. Three of those assists came across his four appearances in the 2018 Clausura Liguilla championship stage.
Arena will look to Bou and Gil to carry the attacking load in New England, which has scored the third-fewest goals in MLS this season.